SB18 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Vacancies, United States Senator, temporary appointment by Governor until next general election authorized, Sec. 36-9-7 am'd; Sec. 36-9-8 repealed

Summary

The bill changes how Alabama fills a United States Senate vacancy by requiring the governor to appoint a temporary replacement and schedule a general election to finish the term, with a near-term exception if the vacancy happens close to an election.

What This Bill Does

Replaces the current approach with a requirement that the Governor appoint a temporary Senate replacement and issue a writ of election to fill the remainder of the term at the next general election occurring more than one year after the vacancy. Adds a near-term rule: if the vacancy occurs less than 76 days before the next general election, the votes are counted like a regular election and, if the vacated incumbent wins, a vacancy exists and the Governor must appoint a replacement to serve until the next general election and issue a writ to fill the remainder of the term. Repeals the existing Section 36-9-8, which previously governed temporary appointments, and makes the new arrangement effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Governor of Alabama — must appoint a temporary U.S. Senator to fill the vacancy and issue writs to trigger elections according to the new timelines.
• Alabama voters — will participate in the general election designated to fill the remainder of the Senate term, and may be involved in near-term election provisions if the vacancy occurs close to an election.

Key Provisions

• Amends 36-9-7 to require the Governor to appoint a replacement until a successor is elected at the next general election occurring more than one year after the vacancy, and to issue a writ of election to fill the remainder of the term at that general election.
• Adds a near-term provision: if a vacancy occurs less than 76 days before the general election preceding the end of the term, the election proceeds with results counted; if the vacating incumbent receives the most votes, a vacancy exists and the Governor shall appoint a replacement to serve until the next general election and issue a writ of election to fill the remainder of the term.
• Repeals Section 36-9-8.
• Effective immediately upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Legislature